Adidas CEO Speaks on Kanye West's Influence

Just how much has Kanye West helped adidas sell sneakers? It's a question that's been endlessly debated online, and one that the brand's soon-departing CEO recently answered in an interview with the Wall Street Journal . "Kanye has definitely helped us, no doubt," said Herbert Hainer , adidas CEO. "But he is not only a celebrity who is wearing our products. He was here day and night and worked with the design team. Sometimes he drove the designers crazy, but this also gave our people inspiration." Hainer also dished on his personal sneaker collection in the piece, saying his favorite adidas shoe is the Stan Smith and that he has around 100 pairs of adidas in total. Read the full interview with Hainer, who is stepping down from his role as CEO in October, here .